Match Day Thread Sheffield Wednesday v Pompey

please log in to view this image

 

There is a worry that a side’s season can tail off dramatically once they have nothing but pride to play for.

But that has not been the case at Pompey, who in the past week have dented Gillingham’s survival hopes before denying Wigan the chance to secure promotion.

Now Danny Cowley’s men will look to frustrate another club when they close the campaign at Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday (12.30pm kick-off).

The hosts had dropped out of the play-off places after losing at Wycombe last Saturday, only to battle from behind to win at struggling Fleetwood on Tuesday.

It leaves the Owls – managed by former Blues defender Darren Moore – in fourth spot and in need of three points to guarantee an extension to their season.

They are aiming for an instant return to the Championship, having finished bottom of the standings last term.

Wednesday would have stayed up, however, were it not for a six-point penalty for breaching EFL rules.

This is the first time that the sides have been in the same division since Pompey romped to the second tier title in 2002/03.

They triumphed 3-1 at Hillsborough that season, courtesy of Svetoslav Todorov’s brace and a goal for Gary O’Neil.

It finished 0-0 at Fratton Park earlier in the current campaign, though, with the hosts not able to capitalise on Massimo Luongo’s dismissal midway through the second half.


TEAM NEWS
Kieron Freeman (ankle), Reeco Hackett (knee) Denver Hume (back) and Jayden Reid (knee) are all still sidelined for Pompey.

Dominic Iorfa is out for the hosts after picking up a knock in training, but Dennis Adeniran could be available again following a hamstring problem.



HEAD TO HEAD
Overall
Pompey: 27 wins
Sheffield Wednesday: 26 wins
15 draws

At Hillsborough
Pompey: 9 wins
Sheffield Wednesday: 17 wins
8 draws


TICKETS
Pompey fans are no longer able to buy tickets for this contest and they will not be sold at Hillsborough on the day of the game.


OFFICIALS
Referee: Anthony Backhouse
Assistants: Matthew Smith and Robert Atkin
Fourth Official: Wayne Grunnill


MATCH COVERAGE
Domestic iFollow subscribers can listen to live commentary from Ian Wilding and Guy Whittingham by signing into their account and visiting the match centre from around 12pm on Saturday.

Overseas subscribers and match pass holders can watch all the action live, with accompanying commentary.


BETTING
Sheffield Wednesday are the 4/7 favourites with VBET to secure all three points, while Pompey can be backed at 21/5.

 

please log in to view this image

 

please log in to view this image

 

please log in to view this image

Hillsborough Stadium

 

Match Kicks off.

 

GOAL FOR POMPEY !!!!!!

 

A 4th minute goal scored by George Hirst (who else!) from a cut back by Ronan Curtis. His 13th goal of the season.

He's been booed by the home fans with every touch, but former Owls striker Hirst slots home after Curtis races onto an Ogilvie pass and cuts the ball back !!

 

Attempt blocked. Massimo Luongo (Sheffield Wednesday) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Barry Bannan. 11 minutes.

 

1-1 now with an equaliser from Lee Gregory. 17 mins.

 

Fierce shot from Lee Gregory, brilliantly pushed over the bar by Gavin Bazunu. 25 mins.

 

Another excellent save by Gavin Bazunu from a shot by Bannan. 31 mins.

 

2-1 to the Owls now, with a goal from Said Berahino. 36 mins.

 

3-1 scoreline now, with a goal from Jordan Storey in the 40th minute.

 

Pompey have fallen away after a bright start and it's the hosts on top.

 

45 minutes up - 3 minutes added on.

 

Half time whistle goes, and it's 3-1 to the Owls. Well deserved lead for the home team, after our brilliant start to the game.

Can't believe that Plymouth Argyle are losing 0-3 at home to MK Dons (and down to ten men), and are currently out of the play offs !! All six of the top teams are currently winning their matches.

 

Half Time Match Stats:-

Home Team: Sheff Wed .........Away Team: Portsmouth

Possession:

Home 62%
Away 38%

Shots:

Home 8
Away 1

Shots on Target:

Home 5
Away 1

Corners:

Home 6
Away 1

Fouls:

Home 3
Away 8

 

Second half kicks off.